Custom CAD Solutions3D PrintingAdditive Manufacturing

From prototyping through to manufacture and individual hobbyists through to Limited companies, we provide the same professional services that are required to streamline your journey from an idea to reality.

Make It Your Way

Additive Manufacturing, commonly known as 3D Printing has developed over decades to be one of the most reliable and cheapest methods to transition your design from a model or drawing to a physical part. It is widely used for prototyping new parts and has been taken under the wing by the Aerospace and Automotive Industry, proving to be highly effective for testing the aerodynamic performance of development components.

There are many different levels to 3D printing and also different methods within the ‘3D Printing’ umbrella, however choosing the right technique and material when printing is critical because as with any manufacturing method, the cost can vary depending on whether you need fine detail or a featureless ‘Proof of Concept’ prototype.

Multi Purpose

3D Printing has advantages for a variety of industries, ranging from the pinnacle of Engineering in Aviation and Motorsport, through to hobbyists making personalised, novelty items. It favours more towards low volume production giving you the ability to fine tune your design before moving onto high volume production methods.

Our 3D Printing

We specialise in Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printing which is often seen as the conventional method of additive manufacturing. With multiple in-house printers, we can ensure complete control of the manufacturing process and will guide you along the way to optimise the design for 3D Printing. With a maximum build volume of 256mm x 256mm x 256mm, we’re able to add multiple prints to 1 print cycle to reduce set-up time. However, if your design is larger that the maximum build volume, it’s not a problem – we’re able to split large parts into multiple components which can then be joined together by several different methods such as dowel pins, glue or threaded brass inserts for bolt fixings.

Prototyping and personalised items.

Reduced lead times.

Selection of colours and materials.

Cost effective.

Recyclable materials available.

Prototype

"Proof of Concept" is an important milestone to meet in any product development and 3D Printing allows you check functionality, size and appearance. This provides you the freedom to alter the design before committing to manufacturing, which is ideal for both low and high scale production. Taking the path of "Rapid Prototyping" can cost significantly less when compared to traditional manufacturing methods and with shorter lead times.

Tooling, Jigs and Fixtures

Any project that requires tooling, jigs or fixtures more often than not comes with high cost, long lead times and heavy parts. However, through additive manufacturing, complex and intricate parts can be created to assist the production process (subject to application) and reduce the overall costs throughout the product lifetime as jig designs can be altered and duplicated for a much lower cost.

Scale Up and Down

3D Printing has proven to be highly effective for Aerospace companies that are looking to test the aerodynamic performance of their designs. However, building and testing a full-scale aircraft or an individual part of an aircraft would be a huge financial burden. Therefore, companies are now scaling parts and assemblies down to a more manageable size to test the performance and gain critical design feedback, early into a project.

Personalise

Personalised products are often low quantities and therefore any set-up costs through other manufacturing methods increase the sale price. However, 3D Printing is perfect for low quantity items and will give you the flexibility to print several variants of a design, within x1 print when nested correctly on the print bed. It also provides your customers with several colour options, including multi-coloured prints, dependant on the printer.

Our philosophyQuality & Confidence

Throughout my 10 Year Engineering career, I’ve had the privilege of gaining an understanding of designing for a multitude of different industries, ranging from Industrial equipment through to Automotive and Aviation.

These industries, although very different share the same principle of adhering to standards and traceability which I have incorporated into the daily operation of O’Brien Engineering.

Confidentiality

We pride ourselves on customer confidentiality and encourage the practice of NDA's to protect our clients designs.

Ownership

Any documentation or file that we create will remain your property, ensuring that you have complete control of distribution and intellectual property rights.

Communication

We believe that communication plays a critical role in the success of any development and we keep our clients updated, every step of the way.

What Do Our Clients Have To Say?

"...work that Karl completed ensured a perfect build..."

“We contacted Karl to make modifications to one of our existing products ahead of it’s relaunch. The modelling and 2D drawing work that Karl completed ensured a perfect build without any delays. Once we explained what was required, Karl used his experience and initiative to make the necessary changes whilst keeping us updated throughout the process”.

Craig Stapleton
Inovex Systems Ltd.

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" I will continue to use Karls services..."

“Karl and his colleagues have supplied all my drawings, renders & animations to achieve a marketable portfolio of products. Their guidance through the process taught me what is available & how to incorporate 3D technology into the core products for future use. Having someone to collaborate with allowed swift & economical solutions that would not have been posssible otherwise. I will continue to use Karls services as my product range evolves”.

Greg Webb
Cupro Nouveua